Hemophobia

Accidents happen. Having to take a trip to an emergency care center or the hospital is a part of life. Most people would like to avoid situations where anything serious can happen, whether it be a kitchen accident or traffic accident. But when life happens, appropriate action needs to be taken. Unfortunately, some accidents can cause bleeding and for some, this sight is unbearable. The abnormal fear of blood is Hemophobia (also known as Haemophobia).

Symptoms of Hemophobia:

It is completely normal for people to feel apprehensive in seeing blood, but it is when you allow that fear to consume you is when it becomes unhealthy. People who suffer with Hemophobia usually fear the sight of their own blood as well as the blood of others. This phobia extends to the sight of blood from animals and any other living creature that contains blood. Extreme Hemophobics are fearful of even printed pictures of blood or simply the thought of blood. Hemophobia is a very serious phobia and if not monitored, can lead to other issues.

Causes of Hemophobia

Hemophobics have an irrational fear of blood because for them, it is a reminder that traumatic injury can happen and even death. As with many phobias, a traumatic experience in the past could have triggered the fear where a person was involved in a serious accident containing a lot of blood, or they witnessed a situation where a lot of blood was present. Typical reactions Hemophobics display from viewing blood are increased blood pressure and heart rate. A typical reactions are the exact opposite, including decreased blood pressure and heart rate. The slowing down of the heart can cause paleness, weakness and even fainting which are actually uncommon reactions in most phobias.

Hemophobiais usually related to other types of phobias such as Trypanophobia (fear of needles). People with Hemophobia can also have other medical-related phobias such as the fear of doctors and dentists.

Treatment of Hemophobia

If you suffer from Hemophobia, there are ways to overcome this fear. First, seek out your doctor and obtain a referral for a trusted mental health professional in the community. One of the consequences of this phobia is that it can lead to mental illness, such as depression. Therefore, it is important to speak with someone who can provide the best solution to conquering your fear. Many Hemophobics avoid activities and sporting events where there is a potential for blood to be present. Part of the treatment process may be slowly integrating yourself into these types of events to become familiar and comfortable with the situation. Other treatment options include behavioral therapy, hypnosis and periodic discussions. With these treatment choices, you can begin the road to recovery in leading a normal, healthy life.